Based on the profoundly moving true story that captured the world's attention, THE SEA INSIDE is about Spaniard Ramón Sampedro (played by Oscar® nominee Javier Bardem), who fought a 30-year campaign to win the right to end his life with dignity. THE SEA INSIDE is the story of Ramón's relationships with two women: Julia (Belen Rueda) a lawyer who supports his cause, and Rosa (Lola Duenas), a local woman who wants to convince him that life is worth living. Through the gift of his love, these two women are inspired to accomplish things they never previously thought possible. Despite his wish to die, Ramón taught everyone he encountered the meaning, value and preciousness of life. Though he could not move himself, he had an uncanny ability to move others. A truly joyous experience, THE SEA INSIDE celebrates the nature of freedom and love, and the mystery and beauty of life.

Former ship's mechanic Ramón Sampedro has been paralyzed in bed for thirty years, tenderly cared for on a farm by four members of his family: his sister-in-law Manuela (Mabel Rivera), his older brother Jose (Celso Bugallo), his father, Joaquin (Joan Dalmau), and his teenage nephew Javi (Tamar Novas). Since his injury, Ramón has been known for his upbeat attitude and his warm smile; still, his sole wish has been to bring his life to a dignified end. But the confines of Ramón's world are opened up by the arrival of two women: Julia (Belen Rueda) a lawyer helping with his cause; and Rosa (Lola Duenas), a local woman who wants to convince him to change his mind. The two women's encounters with the charismatic Ramón will forever change both their lives and his.

Like Ramón, Julia has lost mobility; she walks with a cane due to a degenerative disease. Living in his house, spending every day with Ramon to help his legal effort, Julia finds herself drawn to Ramón. Although Julia is married and Ramón is unable to leave his bed, an increasingly powerful connection develops between them. Ramón understands Julia more than any man she has ever known: he is the great love of her life, and she of his. Rosa comes to Ramón a complete mess: a single mother with two children, she can't hold a job and has a catastrophic history with men. She thinks that by helping Ramón, maybe she can help herself; Ramón quickly sees that Rosa is the one in desperate need of care. Over time, Ramón grows to enjoy her good-natured innocence, and freely bestows his wisdom and friendship. Rosa blossoms under Ramón's attentions and his kindness literally saves her life. With their powerful feelings for Ramón, neither Julia nor Rosa wants to face the idea of life without him.

It will be left to one of these women to show the most unselfish and profound form of love. THE SEA INSIDE stars Javier Bardem and was directed, co-written (with Mateo Gil), edited, scored and co-produced by Alejandro Amenabar. The film costars Belen Rueda (in her film debut), Lola Duenas (TALK TO HER), Clara Segura and Mabel Rivera.

Javier Bardem was nominated for an Academy Award® for his portrayal of Reinaldo Arenas in Julian Schnabel's BEFORE NIGHT FALLS. 32-year-old Alejandro Amenabar, who directed, co-wrote, edited, scored and co-produced THE SEA INSIDE, is best known to U.S. audiences as the director of the ghost story THE OTHERS, starring Nicole Kidman. He previously directed the fantasy/drama OPEN YOUR EYES (remade by Cameron Crowe as VANILLA SKY, starring Tom Cruise) and THESIS, his audacious feature debut at age 23. All of Amenabar's films share a powerful fascination with the borderline between life and the hereafter, as well as a willingness to explore uncharted arenas of human psychology and dreamlike states. In the tradition of the most memorable Hollywood films, all Amenabar's movies are enthralling entertainments that connect emotionally with audiences while still offering challenging food for thought.